Knicks Trounce Directionless Kings as Domantas Sabonis Remains on the Sideline

On paper, the Kings are not where they should be. The team, who traded starting point guard De’Aaron Fox just a few weeks ago, is not only short-handed, but they’ve been dealing with tough injuries to guard Malik Monk and star big man Domantas Sabonis.

Even so, they have proven to be incredibly resilient. Zach LaVine is one of the most efficient scorers in the NBA, and the players around him have found ways to rally.

So much so that even with their damaged roster, the Kings are holding firm onto the ninth seed in the West.

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The playoffs are possible, but, as their recent games show, it’s not going to be an easy ride. Injuries have begun to take their toll, and the longer they are without Sabonis, the more trouble they face.

That’s an issue that’s happening right now, and recent reports show it could very well be one that bleeds into next season too.

A Backup Big Man

Even with their recent high-level play, Sacramento lacks the fire power seen in many other playoff teams.

They have a few strong players, and a lot of athletes who can fill in the hustle and role positions, but that’s typically not enough to make it in the top-heavy NBA.

When they had the dual threat of Fox and Sabonis, they could leg out games and win tight contests

Losing both in such a short period of time has left the team scrambling. They aren’t helpless, but they’re much more middling than good.

They’ve leaned on LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to handle the guard responsibilities, but they don’t have the size or scoring ability without Sabonis down low.

Recent acquisition Jonas Valanciunas, who the team brought in from the Wizards, has done a good job as of late, but it’s not enough.

In four starts with the Kings, the big man is averaging 14.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks a game

He’s also shooting 51.1 percent from the field in that time. He’s producing, but the Kings don’t need another producer. They need someone who can take over a game.

Playing Without Heart

They’re most recent game against the Knicks was a perfect example of that issue. Both New York and Sacramento went into the contest desperate for a win.

However, the Knicks have a much more complete roster, which showed in all phases of the game.

New York exploded out of the gate, going up 15 points at the end of the first quarter

They then rolled over the Kings on their way to a 133-104 blowout. The Knicks found ways to score, played strong defense, and were much more physical.

An Uncertain Future

Sabonis is cleared for on-court play, but he’s not ready to come back just yet. That’s creating a big hole Sacramento cannot fill. If the Kings want to make the postseason they’re going to need him. However, his future with the team may also depend on how well they do on such a run.

Recent reports state that the three-time all star is expected “to seek clarity” about what the Kings long-term plan is at the end of the season. He’s not the only one.

Several players are waiting to see how the season turns out before making their next move

While the Kings would love to sneak into the playoffs, that may not be enough to keep everyone happy.

Fox left the team as a result of them not doing enough to bring him a ring, and it could very well be that Sabonis leaves for the same reason.

The stand out center still has three years left on his current contract, and the Kings will surely try to keep him around to go with all of their new draft capital.

Even so, many of the big names on the roster plan to have a tough discussion with the organization at the end of the year.

Losing the face of the franchise due to a sense of direction hurt, but the Kings are holding on in his absence

Even so, as the Knicks game showed, Sacramento needs at least one star to keep things together. If he leaves, it could be another rebuild for the northern California team.